Bangkok - Thai rice exports should hit ten million tonnes this year, because prices are falling away following record highs two months ago, said the Thai Rice Exporters Association in reports Saturday.

Several countries, including Iran, Indonesia and Nigeria delayed ordering rice earlier this year from Thailand - the world's biggest exporter - as prices climbed.

The benchmark 100 per cent grade B white Thai rice reached 1,038 dollars a tonne in mid-May as big producers China, India and Vietnam curbed exports on fears of domestic food shortages. In 2007, Thailand's rice exports hit a historic high of 9.55 million tons, earning the country 3.6 billion dollars.

Over the last week export prices were down between 20 and 30 dollars a tonne and may weaken further as global production rises, said Sunny Verghese of Olam International told the Nation newspaper.

Vietnam is reported to be ready to supply more rice to the world market after previously pulling back exports and should reach its export target of up to 5 million tonnes this year, according to rice trade experts.

The Thai rice exports were 5.97 tonnes in the first six months, the exporters association in Bangkok said. (dpa)